Ethiopia has achieved a significant breakthrough in maternal health by integrating oxytocin storage into its existing vaccine cold chain system, creating a scalable model for resource-limited settings. The initiative addresses a critical infrastructure gap that has compromised the effectiveness of oxytocin in preventing postpartum haemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.
The policy development process demonstrates the value of structured, evidence-informed decision-making. Over 24 months, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health engaged the Research Advisory Council and applied the GRADE Evidence-to-Decision framework, bringing together researchers, programme managers, and international partners. By leveraging the established infrastructure of the WHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation, the country reduced implementation costs while ensuring reliable temperature-controlled storage for the life-saving medication.
This evidence-based approach offers valuable lessons for other low- and middle-income countries seeking to strengthen maternal health systems.
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